One of Canada’s favourite cocktails turns 50 years old today, and to celebrate National Caesar Day we look at some of the elaborate garnishes that are transforming our city’s drink of choice.

The caesar was born right here in Calgary in 1969 when bartender Walter Chell was tasked with inventing a drink to celebrate a new Italian restaurant opening up at the Calgary Inn (now the Westin).

It took Chell several tries before he came up with the vodka-mixed cocktail with clam-infused tomato juice, lime, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce and a salty rim that people are still enjoying today.

In 2009, the caesar was officially declared Canada’s official cocktail by Parliament, and more than 400 million Mott’s Clamato Caesars are consumed by Canadians each year.

Over the years, the garnish on top of caesar cocktails has taken on a whole new life. The celery stick is being outdone by restaurants trying to one-up each other with elaborate displays on top of the drink.

Here are just a few examples of over-the-top garnishes on Canada’s favourite cocktail: